Christendom College Celebrates the End of the Year of Faith with Eucharistic Procession

November 26, 2013

On November 24, Christendom College celebrated the Feast of Christ the King with Mass, Benediction and Eucharistic procession. On this patronal feast, which marked the end of the Year of Faith, the entire college community also consecrated itself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, something it has been doing every year since 1992. The college was founded under the patronage of Christ the King and under the mantle of Our Lady of Fatima, and as such, has a deep devotion to both.

"This Year of Faith has brought many graces to our community," said college president Dr. Timothy O'Donnell. "And I couldn't think of a more fitting way to end the year than with a public procession of our Eucharistic King."

The celebration began with a solemn Mass, where Fr. Solanus Bonfatti of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal gave the homily and spoke on how the kingship of Christ is a kingship that demands our hearts completely.

"He is no ordinary king," he said. "What part of our hearts is still mission territory? What part of our hearts is not yet ruled by Christ? We must surrender that part to Him."

The Mass was followed by a Eucharistic procession, benediction, and a renewal of the consecration of the college to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Despite what Dr. O'Donnell called "the coldest Christ the King celebration in history" with wind-chill temperatures in the 20's, students still came out in large numbers.

"It was really inspiring to see all my fellow students come out—especially in the cold," senior Hannah Ethridge said. "The reverence everyone showed as Christ passed by was also very beautiful."

Students, faculty and staff then gathered in the St. Lawrence Commons for a festive brunch. Later that evening the day came to a close with solemn vespers, adoration, and benediction in the Chapel of Christ the King.